Allen and Heath Xone:3D

Allen & Heath has taken DJ performance technology a significant leap forward with the launch of the Xone:3D mixer/controller. This unique new product is an amalgamation of a high performance DJ mixer, a top spec multi-channel USB soundcard and a comprehensive MIDI control surface. The result is a performance workstation that integrates all the tools of the modern DJ.

The mixer section is derived from the industry-standard Xone:92 and Xone:62 designs and includes all the Xone essentials like: 4 multi-input stereo channels, 3-band total kill EQ, VCF and resonance and frequency filters, assignable LFO, etc.

The 8 channel USB soundcard operates either with 6 channels from the PC and 2 returns or 4 and 4. It can be fed from the main mix or direct from the channels and features a SPDIF optical and coaxial interface. Best possible sound quality in ensured with individual professional audio standard 48kHz 24bit stereo converters. The USB connection also sends and receives both audio and MIDI data to and from the PC and can be used to update firmware and set mixer configuration data.

There are dedicated MIDI control sections either side of the mixer, with a total of 8 control faders, 16 rotary controls, 10 encoders, 50 switches and 2 custom jog wheels – which can be mapped for use as navigation controls for DJ software such as Ableton Live and Traktor. With such comprehensive control options Xone:3D can send a total of 105 different MIDI control messages to the 3D’s MIDI out socket and via the USB interface to the PC.

An automatic beat detector can synchronise the MIDI clock to the main mix. The 3D also has connections for footswitch controller and a gameport socket for the addition of an analogue joystick operating as a second MIDI output.

DJ’s, Chris Liebing and Richie Hawtin have consulted extensively throughout the Xone:3D’s development and have taken the system live in comprehensive beta testing. ‘Technology is leading us into a very exciting and new form of DJ’ing,’ commented Chris. ‘Allen & Heath’s Xone:3D is a huge step forward into that future. More fun for the DJ, more fun for the crowd!’